With the removal of change fees, passengers may now rebook their flights as many times as they need at no cost

When the pandemic hit the country, traveling took a back seat. To those who have a scheduled flight last year, rebooking becomes a burden to those affected with their travels with the added safety protocols.   That's why Cebu Pacific announces that they would remove change fees. 

The Philippines’ leading carrier Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) permanently removes change fees, allowing passengers to rebook as many times as they need. The carrier believes that flexibility is critical in restoring passenger confidence in air travel. 

“In a recent survey we conducted, flexibility remains to be one of the considerations of our passengers when deciding to travel again. Because of this, we are removing our change fee effective immediately. As we work on rebuilding our network and supporting domestic tourism, we will continue to listen to our passengers so we can make it even more convenient for everyjuan to fly again,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience. 

With the removal of change fees, passengers may now rebook their flights as many times as they need at no cost. A minimal fare difference may still apply. 

The IATF has recently released a new set of simplified requirements for domestic travel which states that travel authorities and health certificates will no longer be needed. Quarantine protocols will also be only required for those showing symptoms.

“This is a timely announcement as well, as we support the recent IATF announcement on the standardized travel requirements, and as we celebrate our 25^th founding anniversary this month,” added Iyog.

Passengers may conveniently manage their bookings online through the “Manage Booking” portal on the Cebu Pacific website: http://bit.ly/CEBmanageflight. Simply log in using your Getgo account, if applicable, or enter your booking reference to access your booking online. Bookings can be modified up to two (2) hours before the flight.

Passengers may also easily update their contact information and addresses, as well as correct misspelled names, nationality, birthdays, and salutation through the same portal. Those who booked their CEB flights via travel agencies must coordinate requests through their respective agents. 

Apart from this new policy, CEB also has an ongoing PHP 25 month-long seat sale on top of other exciting deals in celebration for its 25^th anniversary. Visit www.cebupacificair.com and follow Cebu Pacific Air on its official social media accounts for more information.  

Ohmyhome believes that every Filipino deserves to own a home that they can eventually pass to the next generation

Owning your dream house this days is a major decision that would greatly affect your lifestyle and financial health. It requires a lot of planning and you would need a real estate platform to help you choose what's good for your budget.

As tumultuous as the year 2020 was, it gave us key insights into what must be prioritized to continue living comfortably and securely despite the curveballs life throws at us. If anything, unexpected challenges make individuals and families appreciate the stability that having a roof over one’s head brings. 

 

It was in 2020 as well, when Filipinos increasingly saw that property ownership can be a steadfast source of passive income even when facing an uncertain future. This is why Ohmyhome, a leading property solutions platform and an expert on real estate, believes that Filipinos—whether starting families, young professionals, or property investors—will still include homeownership in their priority list for 2021. 

 

Race and Rhonda Wong, co-founders of Ohmyhome, say that this view is supported by data culled from the Ohmyhome application and website, which were launched in the Philippines in September. “In December 2020,” they relate, “house and lot properties in Cavite and in Novaliches, Quezon City, garnered significant levels of interest. These locations being north and south—and on the fringes—of Metro Manila is a pleasant contradiction.” 

 Race and Rhonda are likewise anticipating a boost in real estate activity this year, noting that forecasts for Philippine real estate show a positive outlook for 2021, as upcoming business developments and national infrastructures are set for completion within the next two years. 

 

A trusted and reliable platform when it comes to housing services, Ohmyhome believes that every Filipino deserves to own a home that they can eventually pass to the next generation and serve as an investment that helps them build their wealth. One of the company’s primary objectives is to help customers reach this milestone with ease by providing a wide range of property listings in an easy-to-use platform, complemented by comprehensive agent services. 

 

Currently, the Ohmyhome application can be downloaded via Google Play or the Apple Store, while the Ohmyhome website can be visited via any platform. Both the app and the site have user-friendly interfaces fit for prospective Filipino homebuyers.  

 

More than the interface, however, Ohmyhome takes pride in the way it conveys information to future property owners. Race explains, “Through our DIY platform and services, clients are given the chance to see and study properties for sale within their price range and preferred location. We inform our consumers on the appraisal potential, and even note problems or issues that could arise for every property they take interest in.” 

 

As Filipinos continue to prioritize home ownership this year, Ohmyhome will strive to offer better services. As Rhonda stresses, “The team is always working hard to improve our website and application. We want to give a more streamlined experience for property transactors on the platform. We will also be producing more content that will serve as helpful resources for app and website users.”

 

Ultimately, Ohmyhome wishes to assure its users that they can always trust its platform and rely on their commitment to help more Filipinos achieve their dream of owning a home. “When customers are familiar with every aspect of the property they are considering, they become better-equipped to reach an informed decision and get the most value from the home they plan to purchase.” 

 

“Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” marks Jayson Dedal’s first break as a recording artist under Insight Music

Of the billions of dreams cast into the void every day, few make it with the certainty—and confidence—that gifted singer-songwriter Jayson Dedal felt when he did. 

 

The 28-year-old Dedal, who is a real-life MAPEH teacher in a public school in Quezon City, recently signed up with maverick record label Insight Music, which has just produced and released his debut single “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin”. 

 

“Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” marks Jayson Dedal’s first break as a recording artist under Insight Music, making his first professional affiliation an exceptionally propitious one. 

 

The song also served as one of the official movie soundtracks of the label’s movie production and marketing arm Insight 360 Films’ “Miss Q&A: Para Sa Maganda Lang Ba Ang Love Life?” starring Kakai Bautista and Zoren Legaspi and directed by Lemuel Lorca. The first is expected to be released this summer. 

“The movie is about lost dreams and trying to redeem them,” says Cahilig. “So having a song like ‘Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin’ is—pun intended—a dream match.”

 

Apart from his day job as a public school teacher, Dedal has been writing songs since college and is an active member of the Filipino Society of Composers, Artists, and Publishers (FILSCAP). However, the opportunity to be a solo artist seemed to elude Dedal until Insight Music recognized his potential.

 

Indeed, Insight Music President and Chief Creative Director Chris Cahilig took notice of this fresh new talent early on. It was Dedal, after all, who wrote boy band 1:43’s hit songs such as “Pasensya Na” and “Ikaw Lang Talaga,” as well as “Sa Iba Na Lang” by BOU, which eventually became the official movie sound track of “Mia” (2020).  

 

“I have always been incredibly drawn towards Jayson as an artist,” says Cahilig. “His body of work speaks volumes of his gift. And when you listen to what he has to say in ‘Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin’, you’ll understand why we simply had to make sure that his talent is heard.” 

 

Set against lush instrumentation and fueled by Dedal’s buttery vocals, “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” conveys Dedal’s deep anxieties about an ambiguous future. Does God hear the songwriter’s ‘prayers’ for a better future?

 

“It’s a personal track, to be sure,” says Dedal. “I wrote it during the lockdown, and it’s the collective result of everything I’ve been worried about—my love life, the future, and my relationship with God.”

Having made peace with his vulnerabilities, Jayson Dedal is even more grateful to Cahilig and Insight Music for giving him the chance to express his creativity, and vent his anxieties, the only way he knows how—through his music.

 

Cahilig is likewise buoyant about Dedal’s journey in the music industry. “Some people might give a public school teacher one look and put them in a box,” he says. “But if anything, teachers are some of the best storytellers out there, and we’re lucky to have found one as talented and as enthusiastic as Jayson Dedal.” 

 

“Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” by Jayson Dedal will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all other streaming platforms on March 5, 2021.

 

Cebu Pacific celebrates 25 years of making moments happen with its first ever month-long PHP 25 seat sale

The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), celebrates 25 years of making moments happen with its first ever month-long PHP 25 seat sale. Beginning today until March 31, 2021, CEB flights to any Philippine destination are on sale, for travel from today all the way up to December 31, 2021.  

“On our 25^th year, we remain humbled to be part of our passengers’ stories and life journeys. We are in full support of the simplification of travel requirements, and expect to welcome more guests onto our flights in the coming months,” said Candice Iyog, CEB VP for marketing and customer experience.

CEB operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines, offering safe, affordable, and seamless flights to and from key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao. It also supports the local tourism industry with its regular flights to famous leisure spots such as Boracay, Bohol, Coron, Siargao, and Puerto Princesa. 

Apart from the PHP 25 month-long seat sale, CEB will also be offering 25% off for flight add-ons and of course, its trademark piso sale. Visit www.cebupacificair.com for more information.

Milestones @ 25

CEB took to the skies for the first time in March 08, 1996, flying from Manila to its hometown Cebu. Since then, it has been committed to fly where Filipinos are – from its first international flight to Hong Kong in 2001, to its first low-cost long-haul flight to Dubai in 2013.

The airline also received its first ATR 72-500 in 2008, which paved way for it to boost inter-island connection and expand its domestic network. Because of its wide network and promo fares, especially its piso sales pioneered in 2004, CEB has consistently made flying accessible for everyjuan. 

CEB has also taken part in numerous passenger moments — such as when a passenger from Dubai gave birth en route to Manila in 2016, to the surprise of its 150 millionth passenger upon arrival in Cagayan de Oro in October 2017. Its passengers have also enriched the lives of children in marginalized communities all over the Philippines as the total donations for UNICEF’s Change for Good program reached USD 1 million in 2019 

“Throughout our 25 years, we have celebrated countless wonderful moments with our guests. We look forward to #MoreSmilesAhead, as everyJuan flies again,” Iyog added.

Expect more surprises from CEB as it celebrates its 25^th anniversary this month! For real-time updates, follow Cebu Pacific Air on its official social media accounts.

Smart presents“The Inevitable Drone Show” at Rizal Park, Luneta

Last February 28, more than 200,000 online viewers were glued to Ben&Ben's and Smart’s official Facebook accounts to witness 100 aerial drones dominate the skies of Metro Manila in a rare musical display made possible by Smart and Ben & Ben.

 

A one-of-a-kind musical display called “The Inevitable Drone Show” held at the Burnham Green in Rizal Park, Manila, Smart and award-winning folk pop OPM band Ben&Ben collaborated for an unexpected visual treat. This online event also capped the weekend when Smart released the sequel to Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s latest TVC.   

Ben&Ben’s “Inevitable,” which is also the theme song of the latest campaign starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, inspired Smart subscribers who were able to watch the spectacle online.   

  

“No matter how hard life can hit us, [we just have] to really just keep being real, keep being true, keep being good people, and take things one day at a time because the good things are inevitable. I think that’s what we wanted to share—the message of the song,” says Ben&Ben lead vocalist Paolo Benjamin during a recent press conference.   

  

“The first and probably the most immediate reason why we accepted this project is because it merges different forms of art with technology to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our audience. Some of us have experienced drone shows before, but only set to pre-existing songs and records. The opportunity to actually score and record the music and live performance to one such show was something we could just not pass up on,” he added.  

 

Check out Smart Communications’ Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications)

 for the highlights of this event. 

 

Nothing but love from BinJin, Ben & Ben fans  

Those who tuned in and fell in love all over again with the song “Inevitable” last Sunday at 7pm. The light show powered by 100 drones was the perfect representation of Ben & Ben supporters called Liwanags. The fact that drones lit the darkness of  night had fans of the band pointing out this meaningful event for them.  To the BinJin fans, it was the perfect gift to their perfect couple – A Filipino song powered by technology made possible by the creativity of Filipinos.

Facebook user Jasmine Reyes exclaimed, “Hala! Ang satisfying ng drone show! Thank you, Smart!” in the comments section while entertainment columnist Danny Vibas who also watched the live visual display said, “Boy what a drone show! Amazing!” 

Hearts and sunflower emojis also dominated the comments section with most of the viewers ecstatic over hearing the song live and seeing the “magic” of synchronized drones happening right before their very eyes.

 

This is the kind of spell BinJin does as social media went wild the day Smart released the new Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin TVC last February 14. The hashtag #InSmartWeTrust has had a life on its own as posts requesting and begging for a joint commercial film featuring the former Crash Landing On You stars poured in for months leading to the February launch. 

Smart had to make things happen and it was definitely worth the wait for Filipino fans and smart subscribers who are self-confessed #BinJinForSmart supporters.

Twitter replies to posts of Smart SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Jane J. Basas only yielded much love in replies. Twitter user @daffodilyet did not hold back by saying, “Forever grateful to @livesmart and to you Ma’am @JJBasas for making #BinJin as your Smart endorsers. More power and success to your Smart5G [and] Signature campaigns. We love you!” 

  

For @binjinhyunson, Smart’s new campaign means so much more: “Kamsahamnida, Ninang J! You did more than that! Thank you, team Smart! You are indeed SIMPLY AMAZING. You made us all from BINJIN NATION swoon, kilig, laugh, die, and live again! May the BinJin love be with us always.” 

 

On Facebook, @HyunBin Philippine Fanpage commented, “Smart never fails to give us a high class commercial. It always goes with the elegance and style of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin. Now that’s what we call, Smart Signature!” 

  

Still, other supporters are just simply overwhelmed. “I’m cryring! I love them sooo much! Thank you, Smart,” posted Queenie Grace. While Monica Zhuo said, “Thank you, Smart! I love the commercial and the BTS video!” 

 

The fastest network gets faster with 5G   

     

Taking the massive approach to bring two international superstars together in one TV commercial only speaks of how important Smart 5G is for Filipinos. As the latest evolution in wireless communications, Smart 5G offers amazing benefits for users from its superfast data speeds and fiber-like low latency.   

   

From uploading and downloading heavy files in seconds with ease to streaming high-   

resolution videos seamlessly, playing online games without noticeable lag, and other benefits from cutting-edge apps and services, Smart 5G brings enable users to enjoy fiber-like speeds on their smartphone.   

       

Smart has partnered with the world’s top smartphone manufacturers like Huawei, Samsung, realme, OPPO, vivo, and Apple to offer Smart 5G-certified devices under Smart Signature 5G Plans so that more subscribers can get to experience the power of 5G. Smart is also making 5G more accessible to everyone with its continued nationwide 5G network expansion to include strategic sites in Metro Manila, Boracay, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Laguna, New Clark City in Pampanga, and Rizal.    

       

Smart 5G complements the company’s already extensive 4G/LTE and 3G network in the country, which remains to be the fastest in the Philippines by third-party mobile internet analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal.      

         

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®.       

       

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, noted in its November 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report for the Philippines* that Smart remained ahead of the competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, 4G Availability, and 4G Coverage Experience.        

          

To know more about Smart 5G, visit 5g.smart and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook at facebook.com/SmartCommunications, and Twitter and Instagram at @LiveSmart. 

SB19 encourages Gen Z to unleash their awesome with the SAMSUNG Galaxy A12 and A02s

As true digital natives who grew up experiencing the world through the internet, Generation Z brims with creativity^[1]that they showcase on social media. Samsung and K-pop sensation SB19 are helping talented Gen Z unleash their awesome online with the new Galaxy A12 and A02s.

 

Together, Samsung and SB19 collaborate and show how the boys enjoy the latest smartphones as minis. These minis are cute animated characters based on each member of the boy group. The video also encourages Gen Z to be confident in their passions and share their talents online through the Galaxy A-series.

 

The boys of SB19 know the power of social media. Their big break came when a dance practice for their song “Go Up” went viral.^[2] Since then, Pablo, Stell, Josh, Ken, and Justin are consistently at the top spot on Twitter’s trending lists.^[3] They are a mainstay on the Billboard Social 50 chart,^[4] which ranks the boy group as one of the most-engaged-with musicians on social media.

 

The video showcases the smartphones’ cool features, such as the Galaxy A12’s 48MP Main Camera, the 5MP Ultra-Wide Angle lens, and the 2MP Macro camera. It also highlights the Galaxy A12 and A02s’ 6.5-inch Infinity-V Display with HD+ technology and long-lasting 5,000mAh battery life.

 

“Whenever I see inspiring content, it makes me want to unleash my awesome because I know how far I can go and I know just what it takes to get there. With the Galaxy A12 and A02s, I can be a star,” the video goes.

 

The Galaxy A12’s 4/128GB memory variant comes with a PHP 7,990 SRP, while the 6/128GB version is at PHP 9,990 SRP. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A02s comes in 4GB of memory and 64GB at PHP 6,990 SRP. Extended until March 14, purchase the Galaxy A12 or Galaxy A02s through flexible payment options.^[5] The new Galaxy A-series can also be purchased from any Home Credit partner stores nationwide via 0% interest for 6 months.

 

Watch how SB19 unleashes their awesome here.

 

---

^[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/18/generation-z-may-mo

st-creative-yet-study-says/5589601002/

^[2] https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/Music/2020/2/19/sb19-profile.html

^[3] https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/Music/2020/2/19/sb19-profile.html

^[4] https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8550040/sb19-social-50-next-big-sound-chart-filipino-boy-band-profile

^[5] Per DTI Fair Trade No. FTEB-114220 Series of 2021.

Jollibee has come up with brand new, cool, smooth and uplifting drinks, the Creamy Caramel Floats!

Summer’s coming, and that means the heat is turning up. If there’s anything Filipinos know how to do, it’s definitely finding ways to cool down when the temperature is rising, even if they’re just at home or cautiously spending time outside!

That’s why Jollibee, the Philippines’ number one fastfood chain has come up with brand new, cool, smooth and uplifting drinks, the Creamy Caramel Floats!

The new Creamy Caramel Floats are sweet and delicious Coffee and Choco drinks, topped with your favorite soft-serve vanilla sundae and drizzled with indulgent and delightful caramel syrup. These ice-cold drinks will definitely lift you up when the heat gets you down!

“This summer, everyone will surely look for sweet thirst-quenchers that can make them feel good and refreshed during the warm weather. We’re excited to give them a new way to do just that with our Coffee and Choco Creamy Caramel Floats—and we look forward to these being their new favorites!” said Jollibee Marketing Director Mari Aldecoa. 

Get the new Coffee and Choco Caramel Floats at your nearest Jollibee store for only Php 49 solo or upgrade your value meal drink to with just P30! You can also get Jollibee Iced Coffee for only P39 in all stores nationwide.

Have them safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! It’s also available via Drive-Thru and Take Out.

For more info and updates on Jollibee’s latest offerings, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

AirAsia ’s Teleport partners with McDonald’s for timely and fast-moving deliveries

Since the pandemic, we notice that everyone is into food delivery. McDonalds partners with Air Asia's Teleport t ensure fast moving of your favorite McDo meals like Big Mac and Fries and well-loved local favorites like Chicken McDo and McSpaghetti.

AirAsia’s logistics arm Teleport inked a partnership with one of the country’s largest fast-food chains - Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines), to support and ensure a fast-moving delivery of orders within the National Capital Region (NCR).

 

To kick off the partnership, AirAsia’s Teleport and McDonald’s executives initiated the send off with around 10 members of the airasia delivery team , some of whom are AirAsia cabin crew, pilots and ground staff at McDonald’s McKinley West, who will start delivering orders of customers within Metro Manila starting in Paranaque and Pasay City. 

Teleport is an end-to-end logistics experience built for modern businesses. Aside from the last-mile delivery service of transferring items fast and safely to doorsteps performed by the airasia delivery team, Teleport also runs air cargo operations using AirAsia’s fleet and wide network of flights, utilizing existing space on passenger planes to reduce transport costs while accessing over 125 cities across Southeast Asia.

 

And now, the same level of efficiency can be experienced by McDonald’s customers when they order their favorite meals through the McDonald’s PH App.  

Ordering, payment, and delivery tracking will be through McDonald’s channels, while AirAsia’s Teleport will ensure the safe, hot and fresh and on-time deliveries of meals from McDonald's stores right to the doorsteps of customers.

AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla said, “This partnership with McDonald's forms part of AirAsia’s pivot to digital transformation and opening of other lines of businesses that will provide job opportunities to everyone who have been severely impacted by the ongoing pandemic. 

 

At AirAsia, we will continue to be agile and welcoming to meaningful and positive changes that inspire growth and economic development.”

 

Teleport Country Head Ernest Bernal said, “Aside from the NCR, Teleport is now present in key cities in the country such as Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga.We hope to partner with McDonald’s in these key cities to service more McDonald’s stores in the country.

AirAsia-Teleport is looking forward to the growth of our partnership with Golden Arches Development Corp. (GADC) to expand our services nationwide, as well as Southeast Asia through AirAsia’s expansive network across cities and countries.” 

McDonald’s in the Philippines is one of the largest markets in the region with close to 660 outlets nationwide to date, with more slated to open this 2021.

The company’s continued expansion and growing demand of Filipinos for McDonald’s globally iconic products like Big Mac and Fries and well-loved local favorites like Chicken McDo and McSpaghetti, has challenged AirAsia-Teleport to also strive to ‘deliver’.” 

McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director Margot Torres adds, “our partnership with AirAsia is part of the company’s on-going digital transformation journey which started in 2009 with the launch of our McDelivery website, followed by the launch of our McDelivery App in 2014, use of 3POs in 2018 and cashless payment for McDelivery in 2020. It was through these strategic investments that enabled the company to survive the pandemic, and in our continuous pursuit of this [digital transformation], will allow us to future proof our business.”   

McDonald’s Philippines CEO Kenneth Yang said, “We have seen the tremendous growth of our delivery business last year, which, enabled by digital technology, allowed us to serve more customers conveniently and safely from the comfort of their homes. Through partnerships like this with AirAsia and Teleport, we will be able to cater to the growing demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, commitment to convenience and accessibility, that McDonald’s is known for here in the Philippines and all over the world“.

How to spot a scam and prevent ourselves from getting victimized by phishers

Phishing is defined as a form of social engineering which attempts to acquire sensitive information or data (such as usernames, passwords, email addresses, account numbers, and One-Time Passwords, etc.) through fraudulent means. The pandemic pushed us to bank online to make transactions more convenient throughout prolonged lockdowns. Since then, phishers have become more creative, and continue to find innovative ways to trick people into clicking links or buttons and divulging confidential information.

Before presenting the steps that phishers take to maliciously acquire data, one fact needs to be underscored: contrary to the stereotype that movies often romanticize, phishers are not necessarily socially awkward hackers that spend their entire day in front of a computer. Moreover, they do not use complicated programs or devices to manipulate bank records. Phishers are all about efficiency, thus, their preferred method is to trick their victims into unwittingly giving them the information they need. 

That said, phishers use psychology to make us give up our personal and financial information that will allow them access to our accounts. Metrobank, one of the country’s top financial institutions, gave us a peek on how phishers think.

Choosing a Pond

Phishers randomly collect as many email addresses and phone numbers as they can. This is usually done by snooping around in social media, looking for profiles that have their email addresses and/or phone numbers in full display. Other sources that have email addresses and mobile numbers are those that may have been exposed to the public, mobile apps that were compromised/hacked, etc. Once they have a suitable number of potential victims, it’s time to cast the net.

It is best to use an alternate email address or mobile number for non-financial transactions to avoid compromising the email addresses and mobile numbers we use for banking purposes.  

Setting the Bait

Phishers will now attempt to contact potential victims via phone call, text, or email. They do this to get more personal information that may be used in security verification procedures. In truth, phishers don’t really know for sure if a potential victim does indeed have an account with a specific bank, but they play the odds and hope that there are matches. 

 

There are many ways to do this, but the most common way is to send alarming messages about how our accounts have supposedly been compromised, or that we need to verify our accounts in light of “new security measures”. These emails and messages are designed to elicit an emotional response--to fool us into thinking that it is an urgent message that came from the bank. These messages will usually have “spoofed” or faked email addresses or phone IDs to make it look official. It will then include a link or buttons to what seems to be the bank’s log-in page.

 

One thing we all must remember is disregard the message and NEVER click any links or buttons coming from these kinds of emails. As a rule, banks will never give you a shortcut link via email or SMS that will lead you to their online platforms, and in case these logins are needed, customers are encouraged to manually log-in via a web browser or through their official apps.

 

The pages that are linked from these scam emails are fake. If we enter our username and password, phishers can take over our accounts and will have all the information they need for their next step.

Open Sesame

Less than a decade ago, usernames and passwords were enough to get into our accounts. Passwords became easy to crack, hence banks added an extra layer of security by using technology like two-factor authentication to verify your identity or transaction.

 

Two-factor authentication uses either a One-Time Password (OTP) that is sent to our registered mobile phones, or randomized codes generated via an official app to verify logins and transactions.

 

To completely access our accounts, the phishers will once again attempt to contact us via phone and text, usually pretending to be personnel from our bank. They will then try to convince us to give OTP that was sent to our phone. By this time, they have already collected various personal information, and will therefore sound quite legitimate. 

 

As always reiterated by bank advisories, we should NEVER give our OTPs or generated codes to anyone, even if they seem like they have all the other information that only our banks would have. Once we are fooled into giving our OTP, that is the final key that they need to open our accounts and have their way with it.

Hook, Line, and Sinker 

In case we are victimized by phishers through the methods outlined above, there is little that we, or our banks, can do. We can file a complaint with the bank, and they will investigate what really happened, but likely it will be determined that our accounts were accessed solely through the standard log-in process, because correct login information and OTPs were shared and that’s how we are fooled by phishers.

 

It must be emphasized that security is a shared responsibility. Phishers do not attack banks -- they attack us: the customers. We should be aware of our responsibility in securing our account. We must keep our log-in information and OTPs from falling into the hands of phishers. We must be careful not to give them to anyone else.

 

That is why banks are also doing their best to inform us about these modus operandi. Currently, Metrobank is leading an industry-wide information campaign called Scamproof.PH. Scamproof is a website that has information on the latest scams and reminders on how to spot and avoid them. Visitors of the site can also submit scams that they have encountered. Submitted scams are then investigated then added into the database so more people would know about them.

 

We need to be educated on how we can spot a scam and prevent ourselves from getting victimized by phishers. Visit https://www.scamproof.ph/ or https://metrobank.com.ph/fight-fraud/ for more fraud tips and advisories. In case we do encounter scams, it would also be prudent to report them by contacting our respective banks.

Shopee invites Filipinos to tune in to the 3.3 Shopee Milyonaryo TV Special on GMA 7’s Tutok to Win and Shopee Live this March 3!

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites Filipinos to tune in to the  on GMA 7’s Tutok to Win and Shopee Live this March 3, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. The show will kick off Shopee’s first mega sale of the year with special celebrity appearances and big cash prizes.

 

Michele Gumabao and Andrea Torres will co-host alongside Shopee’s newest brand ambassador, Willie Revillame. Fans can also look forward to segments featuring Juancho Trivino and Patricia Tumulak, plus performances from Kelley Day, Ella Cruz, Julian Trono, Mark Herras, and Rodjun Cruz.

Viewers can expect an hour and a half of non-stop giveaways amounting to over ₱5,000,000 worth of prizes:

 

Watch & Win: Join Watch & Win for a chance to be one of the three lucky winners to get ₱50,000 in cash and ₱10,000 worth of ShopeePay credits each. Register on the Shopee app to participate. Lucky winners will get a call from Willie Revillame.

Shopee Shake: Play Shopee Shake on your phone to win cash prizes! Tune in to the show at 5:30 PM, 5:45 PM, and 6:00 PM to play. The top players for each session will get to take home ₱150,000, ₱250,000, or ₱500,000, respectively. 

Shopee Milyonaryo Pera o Kahon: Want to become the next Shopee Milyonaryo? Take part in Shopee Milyonaryo Pera o Kahon by claiming a raffle code from the Shopee app from March 2, 6:30 PM until March 3, 4:00 PM. The participant with the winning raffle code will be called on-air to choose among six bags, five of which contain ₱0. Only one bag will contain the ₱1,000,000 jackpot prize.

Flash deals from brands: Catch Tutok to Win to enjoy flash deals from top brands on Shopee Mall. Get discounts from Huawei, realme, Vivo, Lactum, Enfagrow, SC Johnson, Domino’s, and Bonchon, all available during the TV special.

Performances from top entertainers: Watch today’s hottest performers such as Kelley Day, Andrea Torres, Ella Cruz, Julian Trono, Mark Herras, Rodjun Cruz, Philippine Island Assassins, and Urban Crew try to outdance each other during the Dance Showdown. 

 

The Shopee 3.3 - 4.4 Mega Shopping Sale, which runs until April 4, 2021, will feature up to 70% off on authentic brands from Shopee Mall, such as Havaianas Philippines, Huggies Philippines, Realme, P&G Beauty, Pampers, Nestlé, Garnier, Enfagrow, Unilever Beauty, Vivo, and Xiaomi. 

 

For more information on the best deals during the 3.3 - 4.4 Mega Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/3-3.

 

Don't forget to shop, buy load, and pay bills with ShopeePay to enjoy discounts and rewards. Top up at least ₱300 on March 2 for a chance to win ₱20,000! Check out https://shopee.ph/m/shopeepay-3-3-top-up-promo for more details.

 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.